The Best Chunky Knit Blankets To Invest In Now

With Labor Day weekend officially a wrap, the stylish mind has already leapt into the possibility of a new fall wardrobe, even if we are still mainly dressing for daily Zoom meetings. Autumn naturally draws us to the appeal of thick, cozy sweaters with feel-good visual currency. It’s a look your home can wear as well.

Fashion designers sent several styles down the Fall 2020 runways that made a case for cuddle-up dressing. Dolce and Gabbana – the Italian design duo known for their sultry Sicilian mamas decked out in corsets – instead, suggested oversized knits fit for the Alps this fall. Saucy and smart, a salt-n-pepper chunky knit mini dress paired with coordinating head-to-toe accessories take the look to the limit. French ‘It’ Girl designer, Isabel Marant, cornered the mutton-sleeved sweater comeback thanks to her love of all-things Eighties, worn to perfection by Gigi Hadid. New York’s own Michael Kors has favored butter-soft fluffy knitwear since launching his namesake brand in 1981. This season’s marquee look [shown here] suggests one chunky knit blanket sweater is never enough.

Fashion we wear and fashion for our home is so closely correlated; some brands blur the lines. Los Angeles-based ready-to-wear brand The Elder Statesman was founded in 2007 when surfer-turned-entrepreneur Greg Chait launched a series of custom-made cashmere blankets. The brand pays homage to William Pitt, a 19th-century British politician known for eschewing popular opinion. With an emphasis on craft, Chait’s designs reach into the soul of bohemian dressing with a relaxed LA vibe. This striped, hand-loomed, soft chunky knit blanket in Crayola crayon colors boasts a  Made in the USA label to boot.

Interior designers have been favoring the look of late as well. And why not give your home that warm squeeze? Prevailing in this look is natural unspun wool that creates the best chunky knit blankets which are graphic and gentle at the same time. Knitting has resurged as a relaxing pastime which adds to the appeal of these decorative throws. Such a profound design exercise as it is,  some cultures have elevated hand knitting to an art form.

The mountainous lifestyle of Peru cherishes its own heritage of knitting. Their handknit sweaters made from Alpaca wool are world-famous. Alpaca wool is the domesticated version of the Vicuna mammal which lives in the Andes mountains. The irresistible Nublado grey wool throw with oversized knit available at TheCitizenry.com, is made from a delicate, natural state wool. This stunning example is handcrafted by a single master weaver, which takes an entire day to make just one throw. Ultra-thick and made from luxe unspun wool, its exquisite composition lends itself more to styling rather than daily snuggling. Paired against cognac leather – whether a chair, trunk, or stool –  this throw makes your home immediately inviting.

Mountain living and Mother Nature seem to go hand in hand with a robust knit. Influencer Shea Marie recently took to the road in a small camper to Zion Canyon National Park with her boyfriend. Impressive views of the desert were captured on her Instagram account. A yummy chunky knit blanket in cream perched on the mobile home bed is juxtaposed against the bold landscape and serves up some serious hygge home-styling fomo.

These chunky knit blankets are often best rendered in natural hues; cream, taupe, soft brown, and greys. Cashmere is another irresistible fiber that works on a soft jumbo sweater or home blanket throw. New York’s Bergdorf Goodman, a mecca for all things hyper-luxurious, offers a seed-stitch cable throw from Sofia Cashmere. The US-based manufacturer of capes, shawls and scarves refers to long, soft fibers that resist pilling for long-time wear and come in a melangé of easily mixed-and-matched neutrals.

But these neutral-toned chunky knit blankets aren’t the end-all, be-all when it comes to sweater dressing for your home. A bright pop of color works as a visually-compelling punctuation point in a neutral clothing ensemble as well as it does in a home color palette.

Luxury brand Rani Arabella specializes in clothes, accessories, home décor rendered in rich chunky knits and cashmere as it exemplifies the Palm Beach lifestyle of its flagship store. The 100 percent cashmere Roma cable knit throw comes in a bright neon yellow hue to light up any corner of your home. The natural fiber elegantly staves off the chill of a Southern Florida winter night or a crisp evening in the woods of Vermont.

A chunky knit blanket adds texture to any decorative space; but, oversized isn’t the only way to add appeal with a throw blanket. Missoni Home offers the Sigmund throw, named for, you guessed it, the beloved psychoanalyst who delved deep into the human psyche. With its black-and-white zigzagging and slight jarring patterns similar to an inkblot, this statement piece is guaranteed to become a central focal point of your space.

The best chunky knit blankets don’t always refer to a traditional chevron knit, either. The handknit Plait blanket available at Saved NY boasts an exaggerated basket weave made from 100 percent naturally hypoallergenic Yak Down. The sustainable and harmlessly sourced fiber is not only durable and fine, it softens over time with each wrap around your body.